Hamiltonian function
From Vectorcalcumb
Revision as of 20:56, 2 May 2006 by Aaronwelles (Talk | contribs)
The total energy function. (pg. 65-66)
In a closed physical system the energy of the system is constant as the system moves through time.
Example: Ball being thrown into air: Total energy = p^2/2m +mgr (kinetic + potential)
We call the total energy function the Hamiltonian Function, and denote it H.
The paragraph: "But energy is more than just a conserved quantity: it determines .." (pg.65) (1st page of Chpt 4) is a dramatic pargraph and I like it. We should start out with something of this nature as an opening paragraph. -aaron
